December 31, 2005
October 11, 2005
A Day In The Life - The Midget
I wake up with a massive hangover. I tell myself that I will not be drinking on Saturday night. I quickly remember Midget is coming to town and I will in fact be drinking much more on Saturday night.
I waste away the day watching football. I say waste because Michigan sucks and loses to Minnesota. How the preseason #3 team in the nation is 3-3 is amazing. I'd say it was crazy talk if I didn't know better.
Now the fun is about to begin. Midget is coming to town for the marathon. He has a friend who's running it and he's coming for support and to run a portion with him. He calls and lets me know he's in town at another friend's sister's place and invites me to dinner with them. I meet them at the apartment and promptly see the 2 foot bong in the middle of the table. I haven't smoked for at least 2 years as I quit after college. But I cannot refuse the Midget and the night starts out on a good note. I'm relatively stoned and we head to Charlie's Ale House in Andersonville (where the friend's sister works). We drink and eat a delicious meal of appetizers, steaks, and desserts for the heavenly price of $0. Good job sister of the friend I don't know. You are alright in my book.
Midget and I head back to my apt and the partying continues. Eventually, there's a bunch of Miamians having a good time and we start sharing college stories and looked at some pictures I have. Man we're old but those were fun times. We don't go to the bars until 2:00 so a latenight bar is in order. We head to Katacomb and continue the party until 4:30. I was a fan of this place as it had a lot of talent, starting with the hot bartender Ashley. We may have to return soon. After drunken food of course, Midget and I finally pass out on Katie's couches at 5:30. Two hours later, Midget is waking me up asking for directions to my apt so he can change for the marathon. Are you nuts?!? He's probably still drunk and had two hours of sleep on a couch. He leaves and we meet up several hours later. He tells me he ran 10 miles with his friend. What a warrior. I can't imagine drunk sprinting more than a few blocks.
We watch the Bears game (which I will pass comment on) and Midget heads back to Detroit. He was here less than 24 hours, but we had a good time. A trip to Detroit is definitely in order especially since the Midget stole some 50 yardline tickets for the Lions. See you soon lil guy.
I waste away the day watching football. I say waste because Michigan sucks and loses to Minnesota. How the preseason #3 team in the nation is 3-3 is amazing. I'd say it was crazy talk if I didn't know better.
Now the fun is about to begin. Midget is coming to town for the marathon. He has a friend who's running it and he's coming for support and to run a portion with him. He calls and lets me know he's in town at another friend's sister's place and invites me to dinner with them. I meet them at the apartment and promptly see the 2 foot bong in the middle of the table. I haven't smoked for at least 2 years as I quit after college. But I cannot refuse the Midget and the night starts out on a good note. I'm relatively stoned and we head to Charlie's Ale House in Andersonville (where the friend's sister works). We drink and eat a delicious meal of appetizers, steaks, and desserts for the heavenly price of $0. Good job sister of the friend I don't know. You are alright in my book.
Midget and I head back to my apt and the partying continues. Eventually, there's a bunch of Miamians having a good time and we start sharing college stories and looked at some pictures I have. Man we're old but those were fun times. We don't go to the bars until 2:00 so a latenight bar is in order. We head to Katacomb and continue the party until 4:30. I was a fan of this place as it had a lot of talent, starting with the hot bartender Ashley. We may have to return soon. After drunken food of course, Midget and I finally pass out on Katie's couches at 5:30. Two hours later, Midget is waking me up asking for directions to my apt so he can change for the marathon. Are you nuts?!? He's probably still drunk and had two hours of sleep on a couch. He leaves and we meet up several hours later. He tells me he ran 10 miles with his friend. What a warrior. I can't imagine drunk sprinting more than a few blocks.
We watch the Bears game (which I will pass comment on) and Midget heads back to Detroit. He was here less than 24 hours, but we had a good time. A trip to Detroit is definitely in order especially since the Midget stole some 50 yardline tickets for the Lions. See you soon lil guy.
A Day In The Life - The Midget
I wake up with a massive hangover. I tell myself that I will not be drinking on Saturday night. I quickly remember Midget is coming to town and I will in fact be drinking much more on Saturday night.
I waste away the day watching football. I say waste because Michigan sucks and loses to Minnesota. How the preseason #3 team in the nation is 3-3 is amazing. I'd say it was crazy talk if I didn't know better.
Now the fun is about to begin. Midget is coming to town for the marathon. He has a friend who's running it and he's coming for support and to run a portion with him. He calls and lets me know he's in town at another friend's sister's place and invites me to dinner with them. I meet them at the apartment and promptly see the 2 foot bong in the middle of the table. I haven't smoked for at least 2 years as I quit after college. But I cannot refuse the Midget and the night starts out on a good note. I'm relatively stoned and we head to Charlie's Ale House in Andersonville (where the friend's sister works). We drink and eat a delicious meal of appetizers, steaks, and desserts for the heavenly price of $0. Good job sister of the friend I don't know. You are alright in my book.
Midget and I head back to my apt and the partying continues. Eventually, there's a bunch of Miamians having a good time and we start sharing college stories and looked at some pictures I have. Man we're old but those were fun times. We don't go to the bars until 2:00 so a latenight bar is in order. We head to Katacomb and continue the party until 4:30. I was a fan of this place as it had a lot of talent, starting with the hot bartender Ashley. We may have to return soon. After drunken food of course, Midget and I finally pass out on Katie's couches at 5:30. Two hours later, Midget is waking me up asking for directions to my apt so he can change for the marathon. Are you nuts?!? He's probably still drunk and had two hours of sleep on a couch. He leaves and we meet up several hours later. He tells me he ran 10 miles with his friend. What a warrior. I can't imagine drunk sprinting more than a few blocks.
We watch the Bears game (which I will pass comment on) and Midget heads back to Detroit. He was here less than 24 hours, but we had a good time. A trip to Detroit is definitely in order especially since the Midget stole some 50 yardline tickets for the Lions. See you soon lil guy.
I waste away the day watching football. I say waste because Michigan sucks and loses to Minnesota. How the preseason #3 team in the nation is 3-3 is amazing. I'd say it was crazy talk if I didn't know better.
Now the fun is about to begin. Midget is coming to town for the marathon. He has a friend who's running it and he's coming for support and to run a portion with him. He calls and lets me know he's in town at another friend's sister's place and invites me to dinner with them. I meet them at the apartment and promptly see the 2 foot bong in the middle of the table. I haven't smoked for at least 2 years as I quit after college. But I cannot refuse the Midget and the night starts out on a good note. I'm relatively stoned and we head to Charlie's Ale House in Andersonville (where the friend's sister works). We drink and eat a delicious meal of appetizers, steaks, and desserts for the heavenly price of $0. Good job sister of the friend I don't know. You are alright in my book.
Midget and I head back to my apt and the partying continues. Eventually, there's a bunch of Miamians having a good time and we start sharing college stories and looked at some pictures I have. Man we're old but those were fun times. We don't go to the bars until 2:00 so a latenight bar is in order. We head to Katacomb and continue the party until 4:30. I was a fan of this place as it had a lot of talent, starting with the hot bartender Ashley. We may have to return soon. After drunken food of course, Midget and I finally pass out on Katie's couches at 5:30. Two hours later, Midget is waking me up asking for directions to my apt so he can change for the marathon. Are you nuts?!? He's probably still drunk and had two hours of sleep on a couch. He leaves and we meet up several hours later. He tells me he ran 10 miles with his friend. What a warrior. I can't imagine drunk sprinting more than a few blocks.
We watch the Bears game (which I will pass comment on) and Midget heads back to Detroit. He was here less than 24 hours, but we had a good time. A trip to Detroit is definitely in order especially since the Midget stole some 50 yardline tickets for the Lions. See you soon lil guy.
ChiSox, Sierra Nevada, & Rachel
As usual, the weekend was good times but way too short. There is definitely not enough time each weekend for baseball, football, partying, and sleeping. Sleeping almost always gets the short end of this deal and this weekend was no exception. I do not regret my decisions as the weekend was a blast.
On Friday, my boss was nice enough to let me leave a little early to go watch the ChiSox game. Good decision on his part as I'm worthless after lunch on Fridays anyway. How can I be expected to work knowing ladies and beer await in just a few hours? Add a Chicago playoff game and I'm counting down the minutes.
I met up with Tim, Jay, Mo, and Dunsing at Manhattan's in the south loop. Although it was only a mile from my office (technically on the north side of the city), it truly felt like the south side. After exiting the L, I was promptly asked by a lady with several kids in a van if I had any gasoline so she could get back to the projects. Sure lady, I've got some here in my front pocket. Idiot. Then she asked for gas money. I said no. She asked why. I said I needed it to drink beer. The end. Go away lady.
I must say I was a fan of Manhattan's. Nothing fancy inside but it had a good atmosphere for the game. Even better were the $8 pitchers of Sierra Nevada. Haven't had it in a while and it was delicious. Once it hits your lips. The game was great with El Duque providing some Cy Young worthy relief and plenty of "I hate the BoSox because..." comments from Tim and Jay. Good stuff. Just as good was being drunk by 6:00.
Afterwards, everyone went their own way with plans to meet up at 9:00 at my place. Only Tim would return. The others were sleeping, doing homework, dead in a ditch, whatever. It was of no concern. JB came over too and we downed some vodka tonics before heading to McGee's to meet up with Dana (JB's better half) and her friends, Rachel 1 and Rachel 2. Now, I don't like McGee's. Tim hates McGee's. The place offers plenty of hot chicks but the negatives are too great with crappy bands and douchebags everywhere. Regardless, I'm on board for going as I've met Rachel 1 before and want to hook up with her.
We meet up with the ladies and they are all drunk already. Good start. After a few drinks with us, the ladies decide shots are a good idea. They were wrong. The shots led to several monetary issues for me. First, I ordered drinks and owed the barkeep $22. I gave him $40 and walked away without realizing I just tipped close to 100%. Later, I put shots on a credit card, signed for it, and walked away without my card. These issues did not help the fact that I spent $150 for the night. Ouch. Even worse, Rachel 1 got too drunk (and sick) and left early. Hook up with her is not a go. Sad ending to a quality Friday.
On Friday, my boss was nice enough to let me leave a little early to go watch the ChiSox game. Good decision on his part as I'm worthless after lunch on Fridays anyway. How can I be expected to work knowing ladies and beer await in just a few hours? Add a Chicago playoff game and I'm counting down the minutes.
I met up with Tim, Jay, Mo, and Dunsing at Manhattan's in the south loop. Although it was only a mile from my office (technically on the north side of the city), it truly felt like the south side. After exiting the L, I was promptly asked by a lady with several kids in a van if I had any gasoline so she could get back to the projects. Sure lady, I've got some here in my front pocket. Idiot. Then she asked for gas money. I said no. She asked why. I said I needed it to drink beer. The end. Go away lady.
I must say I was a fan of Manhattan's. Nothing fancy inside but it had a good atmosphere for the game. Even better were the $8 pitchers of Sierra Nevada. Haven't had it in a while and it was delicious. Once it hits your lips. The game was great with El Duque providing some Cy Young worthy relief and plenty of "I hate the BoSox because..." comments from Tim and Jay. Good stuff. Just as good was being drunk by 6:00.
Afterwards, everyone went their own way with plans to meet up at 9:00 at my place. Only Tim would return. The others were sleeping, doing homework, dead in a ditch, whatever. It was of no concern. JB came over too and we downed some vodka tonics before heading to McGee's to meet up with Dana (JB's better half) and her friends, Rachel 1 and Rachel 2. Now, I don't like McGee's. Tim hates McGee's. The place offers plenty of hot chicks but the negatives are too great with crappy bands and douchebags everywhere. Regardless, I'm on board for going as I've met Rachel 1 before and want to hook up with her.
We meet up with the ladies and they are all drunk already. Good start. After a few drinks with us, the ladies decide shots are a good idea. They were wrong. The shots led to several monetary issues for me. First, I ordered drinks and owed the barkeep $22. I gave him $40 and walked away without realizing I just tipped close to 100%. Later, I put shots on a credit card, signed for it, and walked away without my card. These issues did not help the fact that I spent $150 for the night. Ouch. Even worse, Rachel 1 got too drunk (and sick) and left early. Hook up with her is not a go. Sad ending to a quality Friday.
September 14, 2005
Super Fun!
So everywhere I look someone's got a different Super Bowl prediction. I've decided to create my own predictions. Why? Because, as is the common theme of my blog, I do what I want. Also, we've got one week of football under our belts so I can see who's good. I'm smart.
AFC
New England
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Kansas City
Cincinnati
Buffalo
Colts win in New England. No really, they will. Just you wait.
NFC
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Seattle
Detroit
Carolina
Chicago (ok fine, this won't happen. but the NFC sucks so who cares which 7-9 team makes the playoffs. they'll get killed, unless its the Bears.)
Atlanta over Seattle in a blow out. Sorry D-Ho, your Seahawks aren't good enough.
Now scroll down to see the Super Bowl Champions. This is so exciting...
continue
go on
almost there
Hurray! The Colts beat the Falcons in Super Bowl XL!
Go ahead and put your bets down. You can use my predictions (also known as the right answers) but I get 25% of all winnings.
AFC
New England
Pittsburgh
Indianapolis
Kansas City
Cincinnati
Buffalo
Colts win in New England. No really, they will. Just you wait.
NFC
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Seattle
Detroit
Carolina
Chicago (ok fine, this won't happen. but the NFC sucks so who cares which 7-9 team makes the playoffs. they'll get killed, unless its the Bears.)
Atlanta over Seattle in a blow out. Sorry D-Ho, your Seahawks aren't good enough.
Now scroll down to see the Super Bowl Champions. This is so exciting...
continue
go on
almost there
Hurray! The Colts beat the Falcons in Super Bowl XL!
Go ahead and put your bets down. You can use my predictions (also known as the right answers) but I get 25% of all winnings.
Cannonball!
I need everyone to stop what they're doing and listen to me. I have a very important annoucement.
I've added a new link, Not A Half Day, for all those who need a break from work, school, or simply don't have anything better to do.
Enjoy. My high is 49. Jealous much?
I've added a new link, Not A Half Day, for all those who need a break from work, school, or simply don't have anything better to do.
Enjoy. My high is 49. Jealous much?
September 10, 2005
September 09, 2005
Reward for my Labors
Hello friends! I'm back after a 1 month hiatus. Here's a summary of my Labor Day weekend festivities for you to enjoy. I know I'm back dating and I'm not sure if that's proper blog etiquette, but I do what I want. Now onto the story.
I took an extended Labor Day weekend and visited my brother in Portland. I've never been to the Pacific NW and it was awesome. We went to a music festival in Seattle called Bumbershoot that had lots of cool bands and hot chicks (hippies and normal people alike). The main act we were there to see was Trey Anastasio (former guitarist and lead singer of Phish). I don't know much of his solo stuff but its more rock and roll than Phish and I enjoyed it. My favorite part though was the half hour acoustic set he did of Phish songs. Nothing beats some good acoustic tunes.
The other aspects of the fest were a lot of fun too. Jazz, blues, rock, African music. All good stuff. And surprisingly, a lot of good food options. Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, African, and many other ethnic choices. Definitely had to wash it all down with some ice cold refreshments. No, it wasn't Tab. I wish.
We also did a lot of hiking in the mountains at the Columbia River Gorge. We even took our chances that Mount St. Helen's wouldn't erupt and hiked the shit out of it. We went through a 2 mile long cave that was completely dark, 40 degrees, and made from a lava flow. Needless to say, I peed a little. We then hiked "Lava Canyon" that had some amazing views of waterfalls and the canyon walls. There were stretches where the trail was only a few feet wide and dropped straight down into the canyon (with no rails). Again, I peed a little but survived to tell the tale.
All in all, a great weekend. Haven't seen my bro in almost a year so it was great to hang out with him. I also got to meet his future wife, Laura (not yet engaged or else I'd call her his fiance like a normal person), their dog Suna, and many of his friends. Great people and animal.
Portland is definitely a great fit for my bro. As for me, Portland was fun but I really liked Seattle. It was a lot bigger and there was a lot more going on than I thought there'd be. Its the latest frontrunner for my next move. Keep in mind that "my next move" was supposed to happen last year (Los Angeles) and the year before that (Caribbean). So stay tuned!
I took an extended Labor Day weekend and visited my brother in Portland. I've never been to the Pacific NW and it was awesome. We went to a music festival in Seattle called Bumbershoot that had lots of cool bands and hot chicks (hippies and normal people alike). The main act we were there to see was Trey Anastasio (former guitarist and lead singer of Phish). I don't know much of his solo stuff but its more rock and roll than Phish and I enjoyed it. My favorite part though was the half hour acoustic set he did of Phish songs. Nothing beats some good acoustic tunes.
The other aspects of the fest were a lot of fun too. Jazz, blues, rock, African music. All good stuff. And surprisingly, a lot of good food options. Vietnamese, Indian, Mexican, African, and many other ethnic choices. Definitely had to wash it all down with some ice cold refreshments. No, it wasn't Tab. I wish.
We also did a lot of hiking in the mountains at the Columbia River Gorge. We even took our chances that Mount St. Helen's wouldn't erupt and hiked the shit out of it. We went through a 2 mile long cave that was completely dark, 40 degrees, and made from a lava flow. Needless to say, I peed a little. We then hiked "Lava Canyon" that had some amazing views of waterfalls and the canyon walls. There were stretches where the trail was only a few feet wide and dropped straight down into the canyon (with no rails). Again, I peed a little but survived to tell the tale.
All in all, a great weekend. Haven't seen my bro in almost a year so it was great to hang out with him. I also got to meet his future wife, Laura (not yet engaged or else I'd call her his fiance like a normal person), their dog Suna, and many of his friends. Great people and animal.
Portland is definitely a great fit for my bro. As for me, Portland was fun but I really liked Seattle. It was a lot bigger and there was a lot more going on than I thought there'd be. Its the latest frontrunner for my next move. Keep in mind that "my next move" was supposed to happen last year (Los Angeles) and the year before that (Caribbean). So stay tuned!
July 29, 2005
Sweet Home Alabama
Hey folks. So week 3 of travel has led me to Alabama. I came here open minded but it was not so lovely. I would like to share my Sunday evening adventures with you, which in all seriousness, was one of the scariest nights of my life.
First of all, its an intern and myself making this journey. Our flight was delayed 2.5 hours and we didn't arrive in Birmingham until around 11 and we still have a 45 min drive ahead of us. We are not amused. On our way to our hotel, we merge onto a highway that immediately splits and we go the wrong way. So we take the first exit and decide to backtrack on the roads and get back on the right highway. The problem is we can't find a road that we're willing to turn on cause they all look shady. We go a few miles and decide to put our manly pride aside and ask directions. We pull into an Exxon gas station that looks ok. There's some people standing outside of it but we think nothing of it. I stop the car at a gas pump and the intern runs inside to ask directions. As soon as he reaches the door, a white guy and a black guy start yelling at each other. The intern notices the white guy is drunk and is holding a beer in one hand and a pistol in the other. I'm in the car and this is all happening behind me. I can't make out what is going on but I see the black guy pull something out of his trunk. It looks like a bat and I'm getting nervous. I was wrong, it was actually a rifle. The two men proceed to yell at each other and point their guns at each other. The intern is in the gas station with other customers and the employees ducking down on the floor. I still have the car in drive and contemplate driving off and leaving him there but, either courageously or out of sheer stupidity, I stay right where I am. The yelling and gun pointing continues for several minutes until a car of 4 black guys pulls up and they start yelling at the guy with the rifle. I am now right between their car and the rifle guy and think how I would rather not be in the crossfire. I remember them yelling "get down" and I take their advice and adjust the power seat settings on my Ford Taurus. Suddenly, the intern runs up and jumps in the car yelling "drive!" I floor it and expect some gun fire but thankfully there is none. We finally find the right highway and continue our journey.
If that wasn't enough excitement, we are now traveling on a pitch black road that has a dead animal at nearly every mile marker and was probably the inspiration for movies like Wrong Turn. We make it to our hotel around 1:30 and have a good nights sleep. The end.
The rest of the trip wasn't as bad but by no means good. The hotel was nice but that's it. It was hot as hell and our meals sucked.
Thank you Alabama for living up to my expectations and I hope to never return to this place. The lesson learned here is never stop for directions.
First of all, its an intern and myself making this journey. Our flight was delayed 2.5 hours and we didn't arrive in Birmingham until around 11 and we still have a 45 min drive ahead of us. We are not amused. On our way to our hotel, we merge onto a highway that immediately splits and we go the wrong way. So we take the first exit and decide to backtrack on the roads and get back on the right highway. The problem is we can't find a road that we're willing to turn on cause they all look shady. We go a few miles and decide to put our manly pride aside and ask directions. We pull into an Exxon gas station that looks ok. There's some people standing outside of it but we think nothing of it. I stop the car at a gas pump and the intern runs inside to ask directions. As soon as he reaches the door, a white guy and a black guy start yelling at each other. The intern notices the white guy is drunk and is holding a beer in one hand and a pistol in the other. I'm in the car and this is all happening behind me. I can't make out what is going on but I see the black guy pull something out of his trunk. It looks like a bat and I'm getting nervous. I was wrong, it was actually a rifle. The two men proceed to yell at each other and point their guns at each other. The intern is in the gas station with other customers and the employees ducking down on the floor. I still have the car in drive and contemplate driving off and leaving him there but, either courageously or out of sheer stupidity, I stay right where I am. The yelling and gun pointing continues for several minutes until a car of 4 black guys pulls up and they start yelling at the guy with the rifle. I am now right between their car and the rifle guy and think how I would rather not be in the crossfire. I remember them yelling "get down" and I take their advice and adjust the power seat settings on my Ford Taurus. Suddenly, the intern runs up and jumps in the car yelling "drive!" I floor it and expect some gun fire but thankfully there is none. We finally find the right highway and continue our journey.
If that wasn't enough excitement, we are now traveling on a pitch black road that has a dead animal at nearly every mile marker and was probably the inspiration for movies like Wrong Turn. We make it to our hotel around 1:30 and have a good nights sleep. The end.
The rest of the trip wasn't as bad but by no means good. The hotel was nice but that's it. It was hot as hell and our meals sucked.
Thank you Alabama for living up to my expectations and I hope to never return to this place. The lesson learned here is never stop for directions.
July 24, 2005
The Nooga
Second straight week of travel leads me to Chattanooga, TN. Unfortunately, I'm working this week so its not all fun and games. We did have some good times as The Nooga, as called by a radio station there, was better than expected. We had a nice hotel, had some solid meals including Memphis ribs, didn't work late, and the weather was hot but not as bad as Dallas.
The highlight of the trip came on our last dinner. We're at this steak place throwing down bottles of South African Shiraz and 20 oz. filets. Our manager had continually joked with us that day that Vanilla Ice was in town for a show and we needed to go. As we're wrapping up our dinner, the server comes up to us and says "I'm not supposed to do this when someone famous is here, but Vanilla Ice is eating right over there with his manager." I could not believe it. Mr. Ice Ice Baby himself having a steak before the big show. All I wanted to do was approach him and say "Hey man, pleasure to meet you. Good luck at the show tonight." I never got the chance as his two man entourage was leaving right after the server gave us the news.
So that's the fun that was had in The Nooga. Can't wait for what's in store in Alabama next week...
The highlight of the trip came on our last dinner. We're at this steak place throwing down bottles of South African Shiraz and 20 oz. filets. Our manager had continually joked with us that day that Vanilla Ice was in town for a show and we needed to go. As we're wrapping up our dinner, the server comes up to us and says "I'm not supposed to do this when someone famous is here, but Vanilla Ice is eating right over there with his manager." I could not believe it. Mr. Ice Ice Baby himself having a steak before the big show. All I wanted to do was approach him and say "Hey man, pleasure to meet you. Good luck at the show tonight." I never got the chance as his two man entourage was leaving right after the server gave us the news.
So that's the fun that was had in The Nooga. Can't wait for what's in store in Alabama next week...
July 17, 2005
Don't Mess with Texas
So I have just returned from a week of training for work in Dallas. This also marks my return to the blogging world as I have left you all for some time. I apologize for the hiatus, I have no excuse nor do I need one cause its my blog.
Anyways, I arrive in Dallas around 9 at night. Somehow its still about 95 degrees outside. Already I can tell I'm gonna love this place. Due to our company having over 600 trainees in town, vans are set up for our shuttle. Apparently, 600 cab rides would cost too much. I quickly stop my complaining when my van picks up a lovely lady from the OC office (that's right, like the show) and we start chatting. We arrive at the hotel and she tells me I should meet her and her lovely OC friend for dinner. I'm really starting to like this training thing. I check into my room and get my friend, Gronberg, and we meet the ladies for a sub-par salad and sandwich that runs $20 a person. I'd be pissed if I was paying but I'll let it slide. Thank you PwC.
On Monday morning we head to the training course introduction. Its supposed to be about getting your room assignment, materials, etc. We use it to check out the talent. And talent there is. I swear, my company must have a hiring qualification based on looks. I love that the Chicago office is a great place to work and, as I've just discovered, our offices nationwide follow this same code. Again, thank you PwC.
I am happy to find out that the Chicago representation consists of Gronberg, Mowinski, Sutherland, Bartolucci, Nall, and myself. Quite a party group, this could get ugly.
Ugly? Maybe. Impressive? Yes. The whole week is a booze fest. The six of us go out every night parading around in limos everywhere we go. We recruit talent along the way and soon everyone is asking to hang out with the Chicago guys.
Monday and Tuesday night are solid, but nothing too note worthy (besides obvious drunkenness, being hung over during class and not paying attention, and all around having a good time). Wednesday is a solid day. First, Sutherland decides he doesn't like his class and leaves it for mine and Gronberg's. This didn't go over so well with HR but he's leaving the firm in a few weeks so he doesn't care. This also caused mayhem for our classroom. Gronberg and I never paid attention or participated but now with Sutherland we became disruptive in class. Luckily, everyone, including the hot ladies and our teachers, found our antics amusing and loved us.
That night, we find out from the valet guys that this bar is having a bikini contest and 50 cent well drinks. Obviously, we head to the bar that second and are there about 5 hours before the contest. Several hours later, I'm out $7. This is great. Now the contest starts and we're all skeptical as most of the clientele are coworkers of ours. Alas, out strut 10 of the hottest girls I've ever seen. At least 3 are introduced as Hooters girls and I swear I heard one was with our company. All the guys say I'm lying so I must have just imagined it. Regardless, these girls were pros and clearly just there for the contest. It was quite a good time. I believe #9 won. I was routing for #4. They're all winners in my book.
Thursday night trumped the bikini contest for sheer storytelling ability. Its our last night and our company is putting on this sports event in one of the ballrooms. Its cool cause its free booze and they've got pool tables, ping pong tables, stuff like that. About 12 of us are sitting around a few tables when we decide to bring our own sport into the mix - flip cup. That's right. How many people can say they were part of a flip cup game in the middle of 600 of their coworkers. Put your hand down, liar. And we were not quiet about it either. There was cheering and yelling and all the simple joys of people chugging beer and flipping their glass. We continued to play for an hour or so. During a flip cup game allowed bathroom break, I was walking through the ballroom and saw another flip cup game of about 20 people. I was so proud of what we started I almost had watery eyes. The night continued at the bars and concluded at a taco joint. Again, the limos picked us up on queue.
To top it all off, the Chicago guys decided to leave early for the airport and fly standby. We didn't want to deal with the airport at 5:00. Good thing we did. I got a call from a NY buddy later on saying that all the flights were being delayed several hours. My thoughts go out to them but you should have left training early. I mean, its only training for your career. How important could it be?
Week 2 of travel starts next week in Chattanooga.
Anyways, I arrive in Dallas around 9 at night. Somehow its still about 95 degrees outside. Already I can tell I'm gonna love this place. Due to our company having over 600 trainees in town, vans are set up for our shuttle. Apparently, 600 cab rides would cost too much. I quickly stop my complaining when my van picks up a lovely lady from the OC office (that's right, like the show) and we start chatting. We arrive at the hotel and she tells me I should meet her and her lovely OC friend for dinner. I'm really starting to like this training thing. I check into my room and get my friend, Gronberg, and we meet the ladies for a sub-par salad and sandwich that runs $20 a person. I'd be pissed if I was paying but I'll let it slide. Thank you PwC.
On Monday morning we head to the training course introduction. Its supposed to be about getting your room assignment, materials, etc. We use it to check out the talent. And talent there is. I swear, my company must have a hiring qualification based on looks. I love that the Chicago office is a great place to work and, as I've just discovered, our offices nationwide follow this same code. Again, thank you PwC.
I am happy to find out that the Chicago representation consists of Gronberg, Mowinski, Sutherland, Bartolucci, Nall, and myself. Quite a party group, this could get ugly.
Ugly? Maybe. Impressive? Yes. The whole week is a booze fest. The six of us go out every night parading around in limos everywhere we go. We recruit talent along the way and soon everyone is asking to hang out with the Chicago guys.
Monday and Tuesday night are solid, but nothing too note worthy (besides obvious drunkenness, being hung over during class and not paying attention, and all around having a good time). Wednesday is a solid day. First, Sutherland decides he doesn't like his class and leaves it for mine and Gronberg's. This didn't go over so well with HR but he's leaving the firm in a few weeks so he doesn't care. This also caused mayhem for our classroom. Gronberg and I never paid attention or participated but now with Sutherland we became disruptive in class. Luckily, everyone, including the hot ladies and our teachers, found our antics amusing and loved us.
That night, we find out from the valet guys that this bar is having a bikini contest and 50 cent well drinks. Obviously, we head to the bar that second and are there about 5 hours before the contest. Several hours later, I'm out $7. This is great. Now the contest starts and we're all skeptical as most of the clientele are coworkers of ours. Alas, out strut 10 of the hottest girls I've ever seen. At least 3 are introduced as Hooters girls and I swear I heard one was with our company. All the guys say I'm lying so I must have just imagined it. Regardless, these girls were pros and clearly just there for the contest. It was quite a good time. I believe #9 won. I was routing for #4. They're all winners in my book.
Thursday night trumped the bikini contest for sheer storytelling ability. Its our last night and our company is putting on this sports event in one of the ballrooms. Its cool cause its free booze and they've got pool tables, ping pong tables, stuff like that. About 12 of us are sitting around a few tables when we decide to bring our own sport into the mix - flip cup. That's right. How many people can say they were part of a flip cup game in the middle of 600 of their coworkers. Put your hand down, liar. And we were not quiet about it either. There was cheering and yelling and all the simple joys of people chugging beer and flipping their glass. We continued to play for an hour or so. During a flip cup game allowed bathroom break, I was walking through the ballroom and saw another flip cup game of about 20 people. I was so proud of what we started I almost had watery eyes. The night continued at the bars and concluded at a taco joint. Again, the limos picked us up on queue.
To top it all off, the Chicago guys decided to leave early for the airport and fly standby. We didn't want to deal with the airport at 5:00. Good thing we did. I got a call from a NY buddy later on saying that all the flights were being delayed several hours. My thoughts go out to them but you should have left training early. I mean, its only training for your career. How important could it be?
Week 2 of travel starts next week in Chattanooga.
June 21, 2005
June 07, 2005
España - Lunes, Dia 11
Today´s crazy portugese keyboard symbol: § (that´s right, something in portugal but not in spain)
Today was not the most awesome of days. I wake up after 5 hours of sleep and TheVaughan comes home after a night with the GeorgiaNotSoPeach. I am tired and TheVaughan wants to kill someone after not sleeping at all. We depart for Sevilla via the Ave. We try to sleep the whole way but, in true spanish fashion, people are having a contest on who can talk the loudest on their cell phone. We arrive in Sevilla and have a couple hours before our Lagos bus. TheVaughan gives me the best tour ever showing me all the bars, the McDonald´s, and where he and his friends used to jump off the bridge into the river. Quality. Bus ride is long and boring. Lagos seems sweet and the weather is perfect. We enjoy a nice cena with some sangria. I make an appearance at Eddie´s Bar while TheVaughan hits the sack. On my way home I encounter about 10 local teens who are up to no good. I get Jack Johnson and Tom O´Leary ready to fight but it does not come to that. Hopefully my fighting days overseas are over. But there´s always Dia 12...
Today was not the most awesome of days. I wake up after 5 hours of sleep and TheVaughan comes home after a night with the GeorgiaNotSoPeach. I am tired and TheVaughan wants to kill someone after not sleeping at all. We depart for Sevilla via the Ave. We try to sleep the whole way but, in true spanish fashion, people are having a contest on who can talk the loudest on their cell phone. We arrive in Sevilla and have a couple hours before our Lagos bus. TheVaughan gives me the best tour ever showing me all the bars, the McDonald´s, and where he and his friends used to jump off the bridge into the river. Quality. Bus ride is long and boring. Lagos seems sweet and the weather is perfect. We enjoy a nice cena with some sangria. I make an appearance at Eddie´s Bar while TheVaughan hits the sack. On my way home I encounter about 10 local teens who are up to no good. I get Jack Johnson and Tom O´Leary ready to fight but it does not come to that. Hopefully my fighting days overseas are over. But there´s always Dia 12...
España - Domingo, Dia 10
I don't think we did much during the day except watch Nadal win the French Open. Viva España! We leave O'Connell's for a traditional spanish dinner at McDonald's. We find out the spanish broads can't come out cause of work and since they still live with their parents there is no convincing them. We initiate plan B and return to the bar and promptly are approached by a GeorgiaNotSoPeach. She was originally GeorgiaPeach but constant complaining and bitching ended that era quickly. She is in Spain for a high school graduation class trip with like 20 peeps. We quickly notice two of her fellow 18 year olds are quite hot and we no longer want to talk to her. Not an option. She cockblocks everytime these girls approach us. Does she think she's getting both of us?? That is not happening chica. Get your head checked out. Here's some more awesome things she did or said:
- complaining, complaining, complaining. The weather, the city, the food, the people, the sites. She really loved Spain.
(This is not a good start)
- military time. I respond that its weird cause we're not used to it but to just subtract 12 and you'll be fine. She looks at me like I just unlocked some ancient code from the critically acclaimed blockbuster National Treasure and I'm a genius.
(Seriously?)
- did not realize we probably speak english despite our obvious american looks, I'm wearing a shirt that says "J Crew", and we're in an Irish Bar with 0-1 actual spanish people in it.
(This is going to get ugly)
- I buy her a drink and she drops it after 2 sips.
(Easy now, relax)
- Proclaims that every guy on the trip with her won't stop hitting on her and is so in to her despite the fact that not one of them has looked over since she approached us.
(I truly hate her now)
- When TheVaughan leaves for a second, she swarms me with "do you think I'm attractive?", "does your friend like me?", "he is so fine, do you think he'd hook up with me?" I respond that I don't know because she hasn't left our sight for him to say anything to me.
(ok she didn't take the hint, you're supposed to go away now)
- proclaims she is going to a smart school in TN with a bunch of ugly people so she'll stand out. side note that she also thinks this is close to Chicago for TheVaughan to visit her.
(I have never wanted to hit a chica for real until now)
- once it becomes clear that TheVaughan is going to hook up with her anyways, he tries to help me out and tells her to bring one of the hotties over. As opposed to introducing me to her, GNSP whispers in her ear "come on, just hook up with him so I can hook up with his friend." If this had worked I would have forgiven the aforementioned. Alas, it did not and now I look like an idiot.
(ok thats it, I'm out)
I leave O'Connell's knowing TheVaughan is guaranteed some ass with possibly the most annoying person I've ever met. Hopefully Dia 11 will begin with him telling me how he used her and got her info so we can email this blog to her. I really don't care, I hope it destroys her.
- complaining, complaining, complaining. The weather, the city, the food, the people, the sites. She really loved Spain.
(This is not a good start)
- military time. I respond that its weird cause we're not used to it but to just subtract 12 and you'll be fine. She looks at me like I just unlocked some ancient code from the critically acclaimed blockbuster National Treasure and I'm a genius.
(Seriously?)
- did not realize we probably speak english despite our obvious american looks, I'm wearing a shirt that says "J Crew", and we're in an Irish Bar with 0-1 actual spanish people in it.
(This is going to get ugly)
- I buy her a drink and she drops it after 2 sips.
(Easy now, relax)
- Proclaims that every guy on the trip with her won't stop hitting on her and is so in to her despite the fact that not one of them has looked over since she approached us.
(I truly hate her now)
- When TheVaughan leaves for a second, she swarms me with "do you think I'm attractive?", "does your friend like me?", "he is so fine, do you think he'd hook up with me?" I respond that I don't know because she hasn't left our sight for him to say anything to me.
(ok she didn't take the hint, you're supposed to go away now)
- proclaims she is going to a smart school in TN with a bunch of ugly people so she'll stand out. side note that she also thinks this is close to Chicago for TheVaughan to visit her.
(I have never wanted to hit a chica for real until now)
- once it becomes clear that TheVaughan is going to hook up with her anyways, he tries to help me out and tells her to bring one of the hotties over. As opposed to introducing me to her, GNSP whispers in her ear "come on, just hook up with him so I can hook up with his friend." If this had worked I would have forgiven the aforementioned. Alas, it did not and now I look like an idiot.
(ok thats it, I'm out)
I leave O'Connell's knowing TheVaughan is guaranteed some ass with possibly the most annoying person I've ever met. Hopefully Dia 11 will begin with him telling me how he used her and got her info so we can email this blog to her. I really don't care, I hope it destroys her.
June 06, 2005
Note: don´t judge me
patience is a virtue of the jedi. I hope you will all excercise this as i recap the dias of the trip in no particular order. that is all.
España - Sabados, Dia 9
Today's crazy spanish keyboard symbol: $ (ok you got me, I'm updating this from the EEUU and don't have access to a spanish keyboard. yet.)
Another beautiful day in Madrid. We chill out at the Plaza Mayor and Palace Real. Impressive, but lets be honest. Our days are basically fillers to get to the evening for booze and ladies. And this day was the prime example.
To mix things up we hit up O'Connells. Fine I'll admit it, we find a good place and stick with it. Sue us. Worked out tonight though biatches. The place is just packed with hot chicks and we're enjoying some Long Islands spanish style (same as EEUU style). TheVaughan notices some ladies that appear to be interested. After several hours of playing mind chess and strategicly moving around the bar, TheVaughan walks right up to them and starts a spanish conversation. I soon arrive with drinks and TheVaughan informs me they have been stalking us since Thursday. Thats sweet but info that would have been useful on Thursday. So Marta, TheVaughan's blonde chica, and Yasmina, my brunette chica, are 20 years old, speak little english, and love american punk music like blink 182. Weird, thats our favorite band too (at least for tonight). The bar closes and the ladies tell us they have to work tomorrow and need to leave. We did not come this far to let this shit happen. We quickly ask them if they want to go to our nearby hostel and take pictures. Chicas are into it and several quality shots are taken (the ladies together on the bed will be posted once i learn something about computers. refer to TheVaughan's blog for now.) TheVaughan is getting somewhere quicker with Marta and I decide to bail on the room and head to the street for some quality PDA action. I'm just trying to be cultural. We get their info before bidding them farewell into the night. It is decided that we will stay another night in Madrid to try and seal the deal. Dia 10 will show if this was wise or not...
Another beautiful day in Madrid. We chill out at the Plaza Mayor and Palace Real. Impressive, but lets be honest. Our days are basically fillers to get to the evening for booze and ladies. And this day was the prime example.
To mix things up we hit up O'Connells. Fine I'll admit it, we find a good place and stick with it. Sue us. Worked out tonight though biatches. The place is just packed with hot chicks and we're enjoying some Long Islands spanish style (same as EEUU style). TheVaughan notices some ladies that appear to be interested. After several hours of playing mind chess and strategicly moving around the bar, TheVaughan walks right up to them and starts a spanish conversation. I soon arrive with drinks and TheVaughan informs me they have been stalking us since Thursday. Thats sweet but info that would have been useful on Thursday. So Marta, TheVaughan's blonde chica, and Yasmina, my brunette chica, are 20 years old, speak little english, and love american punk music like blink 182. Weird, thats our favorite band too (at least for tonight). The bar closes and the ladies tell us they have to work tomorrow and need to leave. We did not come this far to let this shit happen. We quickly ask them if they want to go to our nearby hostel and take pictures. Chicas are into it and several quality shots are taken (the ladies together on the bed will be posted once i learn something about computers. refer to TheVaughan's blog for now.) TheVaughan is getting somewhere quicker with Marta and I decide to bail on the room and head to the street for some quality PDA action. I'm just trying to be cultural. We get their info before bidding them farewell into the night. It is decided that we will stay another night in Madrid to try and seal the deal. Dia 10 will show if this was wise or not...
España - Viernes, Dia 8
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: € (thanks to TheVaughan, I could finally type the euro symbol, damn keyboards)
We wake up to a new dia in Madrid. Solid looking city but a shit load of traffic. It probably doesn´t help that tourists are idiots and constantly walking where ever they want. I mean, we do it but thats acceptable. Look who you´re dealing with.
In true tourist fashion, we hit up El Museo Prado. Flippin sweet place with a ton of awesome art highlighted by Goya and Bosch´s Garden of Delights. Yes, I´m cultured. Bet you didn´t know that. You deal or you die. We appreciate everyone´s efforts but have some problems with some of the artists. TheVaughan dislikes the Boticelli works (not sure why, but he said he´d like to fight him) and we are both scared by the German artists there. Come on, why are you painting creepy old ladies without camisas. Not cool Germany.
Next is El Museo Reina Sofia. Again, flippin sweet with Picasso and Dali stealing the show. I´d like to buy these guys a drink for the good things they´ve done. No I´m not a fagitron but they´re probably a bunch of drunks and thats our kind of people.
After a few hours of walking and art watching, we take refuge at Churro Mania. Refer to the linked site. You all missed out, enough said.
Time for the evening. For a change we decide to go out drinking. As we follow the moto ¨stick with what works,¨we again go to O´Connells. We meet some ladies from the OC and Portand. Despite me telling them my bro lives in Portland and asking the other if she lives in Newport Beach (like the show, great line I used there) this does not get me laid. Weird. They leave after we buy them drinks, damn broads.
Somewhere in the night we meet a couple of spanish guys, Roberto y Miguel. We soon discover they are on a similar mission as us - they want to hook up with EEUU broads. We want Spanish broads. We try to help each other out. Despite our best efforts, we settle for working our magic with some Mexican broads. I have pretty much no idea what the yell they were saying as they speak faster than the spaniards we´ve met. No go with these ladies, they´re loss. TheVaughan and I are upset that its 7am and nothing is opened. We finally call it a night and stroll home at 8, our latest night yet. We definitely need some sleep for whats in store on Dia 9...
We wake up to a new dia in Madrid. Solid looking city but a shit load of traffic. It probably doesn´t help that tourists are idiots and constantly walking where ever they want. I mean, we do it but thats acceptable. Look who you´re dealing with.
In true tourist fashion, we hit up El Museo Prado. Flippin sweet place with a ton of awesome art highlighted by Goya and Bosch´s Garden of Delights. Yes, I´m cultured. Bet you didn´t know that. You deal or you die. We appreciate everyone´s efforts but have some problems with some of the artists. TheVaughan dislikes the Boticelli works (not sure why, but he said he´d like to fight him) and we are both scared by the German artists there. Come on, why are you painting creepy old ladies without camisas. Not cool Germany.
Next is El Museo Reina Sofia. Again, flippin sweet with Picasso and Dali stealing the show. I´d like to buy these guys a drink for the good things they´ve done. No I´m not a fagitron but they´re probably a bunch of drunks and thats our kind of people.
After a few hours of walking and art watching, we take refuge at Churro Mania. Refer to the linked site. You all missed out, enough said.
Time for the evening. For a change we decide to go out drinking. As we follow the moto ¨stick with what works,¨we again go to O´Connells. We meet some ladies from the OC and Portand. Despite me telling them my bro lives in Portland and asking the other if she lives in Newport Beach (like the show, great line I used there) this does not get me laid. Weird. They leave after we buy them drinks, damn broads.
Somewhere in the night we meet a couple of spanish guys, Roberto y Miguel. We soon discover they are on a similar mission as us - they want to hook up with EEUU broads. We want Spanish broads. We try to help each other out. Despite our best efforts, we settle for working our magic with some Mexican broads. I have pretty much no idea what the yell they were saying as they speak faster than the spaniards we´ve met. No go with these ladies, they´re loss. TheVaughan and I are upset that its 7am and nothing is opened. We finally call it a night and stroll home at 8, our latest night yet. We definitely need some sleep for whats in store on Dia 9...
España - Jueves, Dia 7
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: ¬
So we wake up to find that Xtina is in fact gone. When did she leave? Did she make her flight? Is she dead in a ditch somewhere? Nobody knows. We assume the worst and move on.
We decide that the best way to end our trip in Barcelona is, you guessed it, a tetas walk at la playa. Seriously, its right there. Why not take advantage. You need to pay good money to see this many tetas in the EEUU. Midget, TheVaughan, and I quickly find a very nice pair and completely creep on her. We have no shame and we are proud of it. A few hours and about 100 tetas later, its time for TheVaughan and I to leave for our next journey in Madrid. The Midget is left alone for the night in Barcelona. Good thing he speaks very little spanish and his english isn´t much better. No idea what will become of him. Again we assume the worst and figure him for dead later that night.
Have you ever travelled first class by train in Spain? That sucks for you. We have that kind of money. Maybe you should try not being poor, its fun. Basically, we are treated as royalty and served cod for our cena. The trip goes very smoothly and we find our hostel sin problema. Despite the lack of sleep we´ve had all trip (5 drunk hours per night on average), we just can´t stay in. TheVaughan and I make our way to O´Connell St Irish Pub, per Teo´s advice. We simply cannot process the amount of hot chicas that are in this bar and throughout the Puerta del Sol. We already know Madrid is going to be a good time...
So we wake up to find that Xtina is in fact gone. When did she leave? Did she make her flight? Is she dead in a ditch somewhere? Nobody knows. We assume the worst and move on.
We decide that the best way to end our trip in Barcelona is, you guessed it, a tetas walk at la playa. Seriously, its right there. Why not take advantage. You need to pay good money to see this many tetas in the EEUU. Midget, TheVaughan, and I quickly find a very nice pair and completely creep on her. We have no shame and we are proud of it. A few hours and about 100 tetas later, its time for TheVaughan and I to leave for our next journey in Madrid. The Midget is left alone for the night in Barcelona. Good thing he speaks very little spanish and his english isn´t much better. No idea what will become of him. Again we assume the worst and figure him for dead later that night.
Have you ever travelled first class by train in Spain? That sucks for you. We have that kind of money. Maybe you should try not being poor, its fun. Basically, we are treated as royalty and served cod for our cena. The trip goes very smoothly and we find our hostel sin problema. Despite the lack of sleep we´ve had all trip (5 drunk hours per night on average), we just can´t stay in. TheVaughan and I make our way to O´Connell St Irish Pub, per Teo´s advice. We simply cannot process the amount of hot chicas that are in this bar and throughout the Puerta del Sol. We already know Madrid is going to be a good time...
June 05, 2005
España - Miercoles, Dia 6
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: ª
This might be, at least for me, the craziest day of the trip. So we leave TheVaughan passed out at the apt and head for Olympic Stadium. I was not impressed. We soon leave the grounds and head to la playa (yay for tetas!). Midget and I decide to take on the Mediterranean and jump in. After 15 minutes of shivering and having no feeling in my body we scrap this idea and just look at tetas from the shore. We return to find that TheVaughan is not only awake but had the genius idea to get a bucket of kfc for drunk food later that night. Bravo my friend, bravo.
The night begins at a usual spot, Temple Bar. We quickly learn that Xtina has a stalker, a hot Romanian lezzie bartender stalker. Damn, where do I get me one of those. For some inexplicable reason, Xtina doesn't make a move despite our pleas. I don't care if she doesn't like chicks, you simply don't turn a hot broad like this. Way to go. Then TheVaughan falls down the stairs in front of the Romanian bartender. Strangely enough this action did not sway her to enjoy the company of men and we leave.
Next on the stop is, you guessed it, Jamboree. After witnessing some intra-apt relations on the dance floor I decide its time to go. I remember a discussion earlier involving walking home alone with a broken bottle for protection. So I obviously take my Sol bottle and break it against a wall before I leave. Here's where things get a little fuzzy. On my way home on Las Ramblas or a side street near it, I am confronted by a ruffian and kindly asked to give him my wallet. I decide to give him a face full of broken bottle instead. Bet he didn't see that coming. Bet you didn't either. I turn to run and he cuts me on my arm with some sort of blade or sharp object. Next thing I know I wake up in some bushes. I think I was trying to hide from him and clearly did a good job. I celebrate not being further injured or dead by returning home and watching spanish tv and eating kfc. I proudly tell the story to TheVaughan when he arrives home as he joins in the feast of kfc. Midget is nowhere to be found and apparently came home several hours later. This is becoming a trend. What a last night in Barcelona. Hope Dia 7 can live up to assault with a deadly weapon...
This might be, at least for me, the craziest day of the trip. So we leave TheVaughan passed out at the apt and head for Olympic Stadium. I was not impressed. We soon leave the grounds and head to la playa (yay for tetas!). Midget and I decide to take on the Mediterranean and jump in. After 15 minutes of shivering and having no feeling in my body we scrap this idea and just look at tetas from the shore. We return to find that TheVaughan is not only awake but had the genius idea to get a bucket of kfc for drunk food later that night. Bravo my friend, bravo.
The night begins at a usual spot, Temple Bar. We quickly learn that Xtina has a stalker, a hot Romanian lezzie bartender stalker. Damn, where do I get me one of those. For some inexplicable reason, Xtina doesn't make a move despite our pleas. I don't care if she doesn't like chicks, you simply don't turn a hot broad like this. Way to go. Then TheVaughan falls down the stairs in front of the Romanian bartender. Strangely enough this action did not sway her to enjoy the company of men and we leave.
Next on the stop is, you guessed it, Jamboree. After witnessing some intra-apt relations on the dance floor I decide its time to go. I remember a discussion earlier involving walking home alone with a broken bottle for protection. So I obviously take my Sol bottle and break it against a wall before I leave. Here's where things get a little fuzzy. On my way home on Las Ramblas or a side street near it, I am confronted by a ruffian and kindly asked to give him my wallet. I decide to give him a face full of broken bottle instead. Bet he didn't see that coming. Bet you didn't either. I turn to run and he cuts me on my arm with some sort of blade or sharp object. Next thing I know I wake up in some bushes. I think I was trying to hide from him and clearly did a good job. I celebrate not being further injured or dead by returning home and watching spanish tv and eating kfc. I proudly tell the story to TheVaughan when he arrives home as he joins in the feast of kfc. Midget is nowhere to be found and apparently came home several hours later. This is becoming a trend. What a last night in Barcelona. Hope Dia 7 can live up to assault with a deadly weapon...
España - Martes, Dia 5
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: ¡
Today may have been the least eventful of the trip, which isn´t a bad thing. We´ve been going at quite a rapid pace that this was in order. The day started with some delicious Burger King. We then visited Park Guell and hung out with our new friend, Mitch the Lizard. He´s a good guy who likes to chill in the park near the longest bench in the world. We figured it´d be best to take quick siestas on this bench to show our respect to Gaudi and Mitch.
For the night, we walked around aimlessly for about an hour. We then decided to not drink that much and had 4 or 5 drinks at Scobie´s, the Irish bar across from our apartment. It was nice to chill and not worry about our images for a night. Plus, we had to rest up for Dia 6...
Today may have been the least eventful of the trip, which isn´t a bad thing. We´ve been going at quite a rapid pace that this was in order. The day started with some delicious Burger King. We then visited Park Guell and hung out with our new friend, Mitch the Lizard. He´s a good guy who likes to chill in the park near the longest bench in the world. We figured it´d be best to take quick siestas on this bench to show our respect to Gaudi and Mitch.
For the night, we walked around aimlessly for about an hour. We then decided to not drink that much and had 4 or 5 drinks at Scobie´s, the Irish bar across from our apartment. It was nice to chill and not worry about our images for a night. Plus, we had to rest up for Dia 6...
España - Lunes, Dia 4
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: ¿
So we try this Monteserrat thing again. Works out this time and we chill with some nuns and brothers (which Xtina loves). Some solid views and a little bit of hiking. Before long we decide to head back because we´ve gone about 3 hours without a cerveza. What´s wrong with us.
At night we start wandering around and find another Irish pub, Paddy Lanes. Teo and I discuss the creepy amount of U2 photos that are in the bar. TheVaughan moves in on a moderate looking Scottish broad and her supposedly female friend. Teo, as well as the rest of us, refuse to play wingman with such a beast. Quote of the night goes to Xtina - "Oh my god she just looked over here and I think I throw up in my mouth a little."
Thankfully, we decide to leave and go to Port Olympic based on the Denmark broad´s recommendation. Upon arrival, we quickly notice a casino. Teo may have peed a little in his excited state. We first hit up the row of 20 or so small clubs. All have the worst music ever but most have hot ladies so its forgiven. At one club we let the booze get the best of us and we all take turns dancing on the stripper poles. No you perves, nobody got naked. Teo and I make an attempt at entering the casino. They tell us we need passports but still try to get by with our IL state ids. Weird, it didn´t work. In Teo´s disappointed state he makes some new friends and ends his night with a bang and a hit to his wallet. TheVaughan is working it with some English broad until the Midget steps in and takes over. At this point TheVaughan begins to scream to her "I want to have sex with you girl! Areyoujelen did you hear that!" Bravo my friend, I heard you. Unfortunately, so did she and she is none too pleased. She exits with the Midget and he arrives home several hours later. His explanation is nothing happened. Good one. See you all on Dia 5...
So we try this Monteserrat thing again. Works out this time and we chill with some nuns and brothers (which Xtina loves). Some solid views and a little bit of hiking. Before long we decide to head back because we´ve gone about 3 hours without a cerveza. What´s wrong with us.
At night we start wandering around and find another Irish pub, Paddy Lanes. Teo and I discuss the creepy amount of U2 photos that are in the bar. TheVaughan moves in on a moderate looking Scottish broad and her supposedly female friend. Teo, as well as the rest of us, refuse to play wingman with such a beast. Quote of the night goes to Xtina - "Oh my god she just looked over here and I think I throw up in my mouth a little."
Thankfully, we decide to leave and go to Port Olympic based on the Denmark broad´s recommendation. Upon arrival, we quickly notice a casino. Teo may have peed a little in his excited state. We first hit up the row of 20 or so small clubs. All have the worst music ever but most have hot ladies so its forgiven. At one club we let the booze get the best of us and we all take turns dancing on the stripper poles. No you perves, nobody got naked. Teo and I make an attempt at entering the casino. They tell us we need passports but still try to get by with our IL state ids. Weird, it didn´t work. In Teo´s disappointed state he makes some new friends and ends his night with a bang and a hit to his wallet. TheVaughan is working it with some English broad until the Midget steps in and takes over. At this point TheVaughan begins to scream to her "I want to have sex with you girl! Areyoujelen did you hear that!" Bravo my friend, I heard you. Unfortunately, so did she and she is none too pleased. She exits with the Midget and he arrives home several hours later. His explanation is nothing happened. Good one. See you all on Dia 5...
España - Domingo, Dia 3
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: º
The plan for the day was Monteserrat. Thats a negative as sleep took us till 2. We decided that the only way to salvage the day was to go on a tetas walk at la playa. Surprisingly, Xtina was not all about this idea and decided to take a siesta at la playa. So the 4 guys decided to take a less creepy approach and sit and enjoy some cervezas all the while looking at tetas. I´m not sure the EEUU could handle topless beaches. I think productivity would have a sharp decline in the workplace and at school with such places.
The night consisted of hot chicks, drinking, and Teo accidently hitting on a guy at Club 13. Xtina, TheVaughan, and I hit up Jamboree while Midget and Teo go to City Hall. Basically a drunken night. I can´t remember anything else that happened. Refer to TheVaughan´s blog.
The plan for the day was Monteserrat. Thats a negative as sleep took us till 2. We decided that the only way to salvage the day was to go on a tetas walk at la playa. Surprisingly, Xtina was not all about this idea and decided to take a siesta at la playa. So the 4 guys decided to take a less creepy approach and sit and enjoy some cervezas all the while looking at tetas. I´m not sure the EEUU could handle topless beaches. I think productivity would have a sharp decline in the workplace and at school with such places.
The night consisted of hot chicks, drinking, and Teo accidently hitting on a guy at Club 13. Xtina, TheVaughan, and I hit up Jamboree while Midget and Teo go to City Hall. Basically a drunken night. I can´t remember anything else that happened. Refer to TheVaughan´s blog.
España - Sabados, Dia 2
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: ñ
So now that we´re in spain and have traveled all that time and got wasted, the logical next thing to do is sleep. Xtina and I manage to get up at the reasonable time of 1 or so. We get some tapas including sepia y tortilla, which was lovely. we then check out an internet cafe as we are supposed to meet the midget at 4 in the plaza catalunya. in typical midget fashion, he was a little off on his arrival time and came in at 10 instead. we decide to start a search party which includes us wandering around the plaza. probably through an act of pure luck we find him quickly and everyone cheers. we go back to the apt and wake up teo and thevaghan to start their day around 5.
We travel a few blocks and get these guys some comida at a Spanish-Japanese restaurant. TheVaughan clearly orders hamburgers and we are soon on our way. We go visit some Guadi buildings including La Predrera. We all have a discussion and conclude that Gaudi is alright in our books. He may have been crazy or did drugs or something, but he knew how to build weird and awesome buildings. Next is his famous Sagrada Familia that certainly deserves the capital letters. Again, cool guy builds cool stuff. We spot a random ping pong table near the cathedral and immediately think of playing beer pong on it at some point. Alas, that never happens but just imagine what we could have acheived.
The highlight of the day are some kids destroying a part of a computer gladiator style. They are in a large sandbox area and taking turns throwing this thing as hard as they can. Pure genious. TheVaughan gets some footage on his camera that, if we ever learn to use cameras and computers together, will be posted on his blog.
We´re pretty awesome from getting this all in and still have time for dinner and drinking. After a cena muy mal, we head to our new favorite place, Plaza Real. This time we hit up Temple Bar where Teo y TheVaughan spot a Hen party and move in. I will let him fill you in on their portion of the night. Xtina, Midget, and I leave the bar and head towards Jamboree. Xtina and I decide to have a brief drunken/serious talk and loose the Midget. Anger gets the best of me when she wants to flirt with sailors and rugby players instead of looking for him. I look for him with no success and visit Jamboree for a short time before heading home.
It must have been my Jedi mind powers as I sensed something bad happened to the Midget and it did. In his clear state of mind, he decides to walk down a dark alley with the spanish speaking girl who has approached him. Next thing he knows, shes a whore and her two pimps rob him of 100 euro. Not a good way to start the trip. We all then make friends with our neighbors as TheVaughan rings every door bell when he can´t get in. We are told we are being kicked out but it is all empty threats. We call it a night and get ready for whats in store for dia 3...
So now that we´re in spain and have traveled all that time and got wasted, the logical next thing to do is sleep. Xtina and I manage to get up at the reasonable time of 1 or so. We get some tapas including sepia y tortilla, which was lovely. we then check out an internet cafe as we are supposed to meet the midget at 4 in the plaza catalunya. in typical midget fashion, he was a little off on his arrival time and came in at 10 instead. we decide to start a search party which includes us wandering around the plaza. probably through an act of pure luck we find him quickly and everyone cheers. we go back to the apt and wake up teo and thevaghan to start their day around 5.
We travel a few blocks and get these guys some comida at a Spanish-Japanese restaurant. TheVaughan clearly orders hamburgers and we are soon on our way. We go visit some Guadi buildings including La Predrera. We all have a discussion and conclude that Gaudi is alright in our books. He may have been crazy or did drugs or something, but he knew how to build weird and awesome buildings. Next is his famous Sagrada Familia that certainly deserves the capital letters. Again, cool guy builds cool stuff. We spot a random ping pong table near the cathedral and immediately think of playing beer pong on it at some point. Alas, that never happens but just imagine what we could have acheived.
The highlight of the day are some kids destroying a part of a computer gladiator style. They are in a large sandbox area and taking turns throwing this thing as hard as they can. Pure genious. TheVaughan gets some footage on his camera that, if we ever learn to use cameras and computers together, will be posted on his blog.
We´re pretty awesome from getting this all in and still have time for dinner and drinking. After a cena muy mal, we head to our new favorite place, Plaza Real. This time we hit up Temple Bar where Teo y TheVaughan spot a Hen party and move in. I will let him fill you in on their portion of the night. Xtina, Midget, and I leave the bar and head towards Jamboree. Xtina and I decide to have a brief drunken/serious talk and loose the Midget. Anger gets the best of me when she wants to flirt with sailors and rugby players instead of looking for him. I look for him with no success and visit Jamboree for a short time before heading home.
It must have been my Jedi mind powers as I sensed something bad happened to the Midget and it did. In his clear state of mind, he decides to walk down a dark alley with the spanish speaking girl who has approached him. Next thing he knows, shes a whore and her two pimps rob him of 100 euro. Not a good way to start the trip. We all then make friends with our neighbors as TheVaughan rings every door bell when he can´t get in. We are told we are being kicked out but it is all empty threats. We call it a night and get ready for whats in store for dia 3...
España - Viernes, Dia 1
Hola mis amigos. I appreciate ian throwing my latest email up on the site for devoted readers. I promise to elaborate on our 3 week adventure in this crazy country over the next few weeks. My goal is to dictate this entire process but that is unlikely to happen. But to start off in true lazy american fashion, I will refer you all to TheVaughan blog. He is a step ahead of me and has already posted dia 1. Here are a few thoughts anyways:
First, the mostly willingly participates in no particular order (but I´m first clearly):
Areyoujelen, TheVaughan, Teo, Xtina, Midget, AnnoyingAsianGirl, DHo
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: ç
The day was probably the worst day of travel ever. 8 hour plane ride, then we waved our train to BCN goodbye, and then had a rather unpleasant 8 hour bus ride. Upon arrival, Xtina and I walked to the office of the apt people to discover it was a closed news stand. Things seemed very fishy but eventually we made contact and got our apt. Xtina is determined that I acted like a sissy down the dark, damp, creepy alley of the so called office. Wouldn´t you be scared in a foreign place surrounded by people that were not bothering us at all and appeared to pose no real threat? If not, you´re a liar.
The one saving grace was the now infamous Iberia Girl. She was the angelic figure that was on our flight, in our customs line, and we spotted at the Madrid Atocha train station. She was clearly following us. It might be a reach that she´s reading this right now, but I would like to say I love her and I miss her. Thank you for making the day a little more bearable.
Afterwards, all we needed was one drink to counter the 40 hours of being awake. We instead chose to consume about 20 apiece and act like 3 gentleman and a lady. Refer to TheVaughan´s blog for the rest of the details. I´m done with this day.
First, the mostly willingly participates in no particular order (but I´m first clearly):
Areyoujelen, TheVaughan, Teo, Xtina, Midget, AnnoyingAsianGirl, DHo
Today´s crazy spanish keyboard symbol: ç
The day was probably the worst day of travel ever. 8 hour plane ride, then we waved our train to BCN goodbye, and then had a rather unpleasant 8 hour bus ride. Upon arrival, Xtina and I walked to the office of the apt people to discover it was a closed news stand. Things seemed very fishy but eventually we made contact and got our apt. Xtina is determined that I acted like a sissy down the dark, damp, creepy alley of the so called office. Wouldn´t you be scared in a foreign place surrounded by people that were not bothering us at all and appeared to pose no real threat? If not, you´re a liar.
The one saving grace was the now infamous Iberia Girl. She was the angelic figure that was on our flight, in our customs line, and we spotted at the Madrid Atocha train station. She was clearly following us. It might be a reach that she´s reading this right now, but I would like to say I love her and I miss her. Thank you for making the day a little more bearable.
Afterwards, all we needed was one drink to counter the 40 hours of being awake. We instead chose to consume about 20 apiece and act like 3 gentleman and a lady. Refer to TheVaughan´s blog for the rest of the details. I´m done with this day.
June 04, 2005
España - week 1
Since Jelen has not fully realized the essence of blogging, I thought I'd post this email of his:
Hola everyone. Well the first week in spain has cometo an end. our first day of travel was hell buteverything worked out and we all got drunk, weird.note to everyone that if a strange lady approachesyou, acts all friendly, and leads you down a dark allyand robs you, she´s probably a dirty whore and youshouldn´t go with her. cross found this out the hardway. the rest of the week was mostly a blur as wewould party until 6am, sleep til 2pm, and then go see sites or go on tetas walks at the beach and start thecycle all over again. despite desperate pleas fromthe 4 guys, cristina would not make out with the hotromanian bartender, what a downer. tim managed to getslapped by a chica for grabbing her ass and i stabbeda man in the face with a broken bottle cause that´show we roll. all in all, an excellent first week ofthe trip. now brendan and i have a week away from thekids, finally. we´ll probably just get pasta and vinoeach night. we look forward to kris and sam´s arrivalnext week. please refer to tim, cristina, or cross for further details on any of our countless stories. hasta luego.
Hola everyone. Well the first week in spain has cometo an end. our first day of travel was hell buteverything worked out and we all got drunk, weird.note to everyone that if a strange lady approachesyou, acts all friendly, and leads you down a dark allyand robs you, she´s probably a dirty whore and youshouldn´t go with her. cross found this out the hardway. the rest of the week was mostly a blur as wewould party until 6am, sleep til 2pm, and then go see sites or go on tetas walks at the beach and start thecycle all over again. despite desperate pleas fromthe 4 guys, cristina would not make out with the hotromanian bartender, what a downer. tim managed to getslapped by a chica for grabbing her ass and i stabbeda man in the face with a broken bottle cause that´show we roll. all in all, an excellent first week ofthe trip. now brendan and i have a week away from thekids, finally. we´ll probably just get pasta and vinoeach night. we look forward to kris and sam´s arrivalnext week. please refer to tim, cristina, or cross for further details on any of our countless stories. hasta luego.
May 25, 2005
2 more days...
This is it folks. Possibly the last post you'll receive from yours truly. On Thursday, our journey to Spain and Portugal begins and no one knows if we'll return. At the very least, I'm sure we'll lose the Midget and/or Tim to the Spanish authorities. Be sure to check out the new link for Walker Texas Ranger clips. Nothing like a little WTR to brighten up the day. Adios.
May 14, 2005
Dear Blog
Today I ate some Apple Jacks. Now we're going to yoga. Then its off to Mo's for a BBQ. That's quite a day. See you tomorrow!
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